High school coach who was fired for praying with players wins $1.7 million settlement

Former high school football coach Joseph Kennedy has reached a significant milestone in his legal battle against the Bremerton School District in Washington State. After an arduous eight-year struggle, Kennedy has secured a $1.7 million settlement, marking the conclusion of his fight. The dispute arose when Kennedy was terminated from his position for engaging in prayers with his players. However, the tide turned in Kennedy’s favor when the U.S. Supreme Court, in a landmark decision last June, unequivocally upheld his right to pray with students, citing protection under the First Amendment.

In a decisive ruling with a 6-3 majority, the highest court in the land recognized Kennedy’s constitutional entitlement to lead post-game prayers, vindicating his actions that commenced at the 50-yard line back in 2008. As part of the settlement, Kennedy is slated to resume his role as an assistant coach at Bremerton High School, marking his return to the field in the upcoming 2023 season.

Supported by the First Liberty Institute, Kennedy’s lawsuit was a formidable challenge to the district’s actions, particularly following his suspension in 2015 for persisting with the prayers. The resolution not only signifies a victory for Kennedy but also provides closure to a protracted and contentious legal dispute. With the settlement in place, Kennedy can now redirect his focus to what truly matters: coaching, mentoring, and shaping the lives of young athletes, bringing an end to this longstanding saga.